Wouldn't harm a fly
Can't hurt a fly
Couldn't hurt a fly
Would never hurt a fly
wouldn't hurt a flea

Meaning of Idiom '(someone) wouldn't hurt a fly'

When it is said that someone wouldn't hurt a fly, it means that they are very gentle and harmless and that they would never hurt anyone or upset them. 1,2,3,4

Wouldn't Hurt a Fly Idiom Meaning Video Presentation

Wouldn't Hurt a Fly Idiom Meaning Video Presentation

Examples of Use

"Victor looks tough but he wouldn't hurt a fly."

"Don't worry about the boss. He seems mean but he can't hurt a fly."

"Everybody is afraid of my dog because he is a pit bull but he's so gentle he wouldn't hurt a fly."

Origin

Used since the 1800's, this idiom uses fly or flea to represent small insignificant animals that most people would think nothing of harming. So, a person who would not even harm such an insect is extremely mild and harmless, indeed. 4